You are here:

Wife vs. Secretary

Name: Wife vs. Secretary
Director: Clarence Brown
Released: 1936
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

1.5/10

Minimal

1936

Director

Clarence Brown

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Wife vs. Secretary is a product of the 1930s studio system, emphasizing individual romantic drama over broader social critiques. While it avoids the most restrictive gender stereotypes by allowing women to wield influence in both professional and personal domains, it remains culturally and racially homogenous. The film excels in its portrayal of gendered power dynamics, showing women navigating and challenging professional and marital hierarchies. However, the lack of racial diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, and disability limits the film’s scope.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Wife vs. Secretary have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a traditional romantic relationship, with no representation of non-straight or non-cisgender identities. There is no depiction of same-sex intimacy or relationships.

How does Wife vs. Secretary portray gender?

Fair

Female characters play significant roles in the plot, especially the secretary who uses her professional skills to influence events. The film meets the Bechdel test through conversations between the main female characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Wife vs. Secretary?

Minimal

The cast is primarily composed of white actors, with no characters representing diverse ethnic backgrounds.

How does Wife vs. Secretary represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story upholds traditional values associated with professional success within a capitalist society. It reinforces conventional social structures without challenging them.

Does Wife vs. Secretary include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or hidden disabilities portrayed in the film. Disability is not used as a theme or plot device.

Present on Screen

Female characters exhibit significant influence and professional expertise.
The film passes the Bechdel test through substantial dialogue among female characters.
It provides a nuanced exploration of gendered power dynamics in a corporate environment.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, consisting mainly of white actors.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
The film does not include any portrayal of disabilities or diverse physical conditions.

Official Synopsis

Linda, the wife of a publishing executive, suspects that her husband Van’s relationship with his attractive secretary Whitey is more than professional.

How are these scores produced? →